Dear Forum Members,
I thought that you would enjoy this cautionary tale of life for expat ESL teachers living in Santiago. Everyone seems so cool. ...or are they? Follow the link at:
http://www.texasmonthly.com/story/university-of-texas-grad-versus-international-conman
Christian Jutt

Hello everyone !
Canadian from Montreal here, looking to rent an apartment in Valdivia for 6 months -- from 20 October to 20 April (2016).
This would be for a single, retired person.
Preferably furnished, with access to laundry washer, and also internet, close to downtown.
Looking for something in the range of 350,000 to 450,000 CLP, if possible.
Unfurnished would be OK if some second-hand furniture can be purchased cheap, for the 6 months duration (table, chairs, bed).
Thanks for any info you can offer.
Jaro

We are moving to Providencia on Tuesday and are looking for a crib to buy or borrow for our baby for the next 10 months while we we on sabbatical in Chile. If you have any leads, I would really appreciate it. Thank you very much!
Leigh

I'm coming across from NZ and I've been in Chile a number of times but could anyone confirm if the licuadora Nutri Ninja is available? They are especially for fruit/veg to make smoothies.
I'm wondering if I should buy one here and bring it or wait and buy one once we arrive??

I like banking out of country. Here is the Federation where I bank. Very safe and secure and they have been functioning now for over 50 years. I have been dealing with them for just over 5 years now. If you are interested, you can contact them in English at federation.fedpa@gmail.com It is always a good idea to have some money in another country, and it is all all US dollars.
Their English is good, they can tell you their history, and send you application forms. They will even send you an International MasterCard and your monthly statement can be paid off automatically from your savings account, so you are never charged interest. I take my card everywhere I go. Used it in Chile, everywhere I went, Santiago, Vina del Mar.....works great.
Also used it in Uruguay, Argentina,Ecuador, Peru and Colombia. And of course in the US and Canada, and all over Central America. Great card......I love it. Ask them their current rates and whatever else you need to know, and definitely you do not have to be a resident of Panama to apply.

Hi,
We have found on this issue that it is a little complex. You DO need a RUT--it is used for everything in Chile. Try and get cable hooked up with it....etc
The best thing we did was to get a US account with Charles Schwab Bank. They do not have regular offices everywhere. You do everything online or by mail. Our US funds all go through there first. You can withdraw US or local funds with no fees other than the exchange rate itself.
That's right no fees! Additionally their customer service is superb! With your Skype connection you can sort out monetary needs. So nice when you are in a different country and coping with those issues.
Suzie Hammond is the author of; I am Not Sure Where I Want to Be -But it's Not Here (Easily Find Your Ideal Relocation Destination)
http://www.goodwriter.info
Blog, FREE eZine & Free Special Report- http://www.goodwriter.info/Blog/index.html

Hi there, my family is looking to hire a senior's personal assistant part time in Belloto, Chile (a 30 minute drive from Vina del Mar).
I'm half Chilean and half English and have spent my life in the US with my family. My Chilean father is fluent in English and is very involved in my grandparent's lives, and feels like it's time to bring in a personal assistant/aid to help his father out with day-to-day activities.
The only issue is that, while my own father loves his country of origin, he's gotten a little too used to how much more professional and punctual Westerners tend to behave in regards to their work obligations.
My healthy and independent grandmother understands English while my grandfather does not, and he will probably need an assistant who has a basic level of understanding of the Spanish language, or at least a genuine willingness to become proficient on a basic level. My grandmother will always be around to help translate and answer questions.
Please respond to this post if you're interested in working 3 days per week, and only 4 hours per day. My father would be willing to meet you for coffee and to give out his work info if that would make you feel more comfortable meeting the seniors in their home.
Thanks a bunch,
Molly

Hi Molly,
I just arrived in Vina del Mar on May 21, 2015 and saw your posting this morning for a Senior Assistant.
I applied for a Chilean visa on June 1, 2015, so I am awaiting approval on that.
First of all, have you found someone for the job? If not, what are the duties needed for the position?
You can reach me at victoriamin@aol.com. I also have a cell number: 7654-5323.
I will be in the area for two weeks and have plans to travel south after that time.
Sincerely,
Jane

Hi,
My question is about skiing in Chile. It seems to me that the ski areas are all pretty far removed from an actual town where a person could live (at least an hour drive). They seem to be terrific for a week vacation but not so good if a person wanted to live in a town at the base of a mountain like might be found in parts of Europe or the United States.
Is that accurate?
Are there any ski *towns* in Chile that are actual towns where people live (not just a big resort) and are also within 10 minutes of a ski area?
Thanks!

Well, the upper parts of Santiago, like Arrayan area or upper Las Condes, are less than hour from Farellones, La Parva, two skiing locations.
Villarica volcano is located approximately 30-40 minutes from the beautiful town of Pucon.
Puerto Varas in southern Chile is located an hour or less from Osorno volcano, on a gorgeous route surrounding lake Llanquihue. The village of Ensenada is small but it is located right at the bottom of the same volcano.
Take notice that Villarrica volcano have suffered intense volcanic activity lately. But the town of Pucon has been safe. Many including me, find really attractive to live near an smoking skiing mountain.
Enjoy Chile.
Teo

I have seen many post of foreigners regarding how difficult is to get a job in Chile.
That may be right for English speaking people, but not to Spanish speakers from wherever they come.
The restriction is then not due to nationality or being a foreigner, but due to language skills.
The next surprise is that salaries are usually well below the expectation of an American citizen. Again, this is the usual, although many skilled professional get good salaries. The cost of living is cheaper than on many locations around the world, unless you want to live in upper classes neighborhoods.
However the great advantage of Chile to a foreigner is not in the labor market, but on the business market. You can create a company easily here and compete with locals with the same rules, and export elsewhere. However, the bureaucracy is much dense in Chile than in developed nations. You need to report taxes, social security and other thins, monthly to the State. Fines are heavy if you do not comply on time.
But if you are properly advised, you can run a business in Chile and start a new life.
My first suggestion is to start in a partnership with a local, so you don't pay the pioneer cost of starting by yourself. Or you can invest in somebody else business in a passive manner while you learn business regulations and about the market.
Chile is more a land to start a business than to get a job.
As a Business Consultant we can guide you in the process of developing a business. We have some opportunities available or we can find them for you.
If you need advise write to
businessinchile@gmail.com